Topographic Map Basics
This worksheet introduces students to the fundamentals of topographic maps, including contour lines, elevation, and common map symbols.
Includes
Topics
Topographic Map Basics
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to your knowledge of topographic maps.
1. What do contour lines on a topographic map represent?
Water depth
Lines of equal elevation
Political boundaries
Road networks
2. If contour lines are close together, what does that indicate about the terrain?
Flat land
A steep slope
A valley
A river
3. The difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines is called the .
4. A is a map that shows the shape of the land using contour lines.
5. Contour lines can cross each other on a topographic map.
True
False
6. Index contour lines are usually thicker and labeled with their elevation.
True
False
7. Explain how you can determine the direction of water flow on a topographic map.
8. Examine the topographic map section below. If you were hiking from point A to point B, would you be walking uphill or downhill? Explain your reasoning.
